The Grizzly Truth

2. Prevent Surprise Bear Encounters When HikingHike in groups of three or more people.

Make noise in areas with poor visibility.

Be alert: See the bear before you surprise it.

3. Know How to React to a Surprise Encounter with a Bear Displaying Defensive AggressionDuring a close surprise encounter, slowly back away. Do not run.

If the bear charges during a surprise encounter, stand your ground and use your bear spray.

If the bear makes contact (attacks) during a surprise encounter, play dead by lying in a prone position with your hands covering the back of your neck.

4. Know How to React to a Curious or Predatory Bear Displaying Predatory AggressionAlways face the bear.

Be aggressive: Fight Back with bear spray, rocks, sticks.

Always fight back if a bear attacks you in your tent.

5. Know how to Distinguish Between Defensive Aggression and Predatory AggressionIf the bear immediately charges after a surprise encounter with its head low and ears pinned back, that is defensive aggression.

If the bear stalks you, persistently approaches, and is focused on you, with its head up and ears cocked forward, that is curious or predatory behavior.